Don’t Be Afraid to Shine Bright

I have struggled with self-worth issues for as long as I can remember, as far as pre-school – even though I have usually been pretty popular, smart, and performed well in school and in my career. In truth, I just want to be liked. In fact, I wanted to be popular even more than I wanted to be smart. To that end, I was willing to compromise who my friends were and how I needed to act, even when that meant playing small – just so long as I was liked. Many of us play small, either to fit in or to avoid making a mistake and experiencing failure. When you don’t know yourself, you will tend to play small. It wasn’t until I went inward and understood my worth, that I could shine my light and share my gifts.

I believe we all have unique gifts that we need to share with the world, and we are all meant to shine bright. However, as a result of societal pressures, or perhaps even our own self-judgments, we can easily get boxed into living within a very small range of feelings, emotions, actions and beliefs, when we could be exploring and enjoying so much more of ourselves. Why are we so afraid to shine bright?

It’s certainly normal to have a fear of failure, but we are often even more afraid of our own light and greatness. That doesn’t mean we all get to be a famous actress or athlete. Each of us has certain physical, mental and emotional limitations. Of course, your goals need to be attainable. Having said that, I believe we are all naturally wired to become the best version of ourselves, even though most of us somehow find a way to live much smaller lives.

What causes people to live small? Many of us are dissatisfied with important parts of our lives. We live in state of constantly wanting things we can’t seem to get. We have grand dreams that never get fulfilled. We pretend that we are on our way somewhere, when we are actually stalled. We fear our own magnitude, because it challenges our core beliefs that we are not worthy. Be the gentle witness of your ego and fear. Would you rather be a host to love and light or a hostage to the ego?

Shed your fear and choose to shine bright. The world wants to see your talents and needs your gifts. Once you are fully living and expressing your authentic self, you will be free to express a much wider range of qualities, emotions, and actions, instead of living small and feeling constrained in such a small life. You can then allow others to also shine bright.

We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to manifest the glory of God that is within us. It’s not just in some of us; it’s in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others. – Marianne Williamson

Weekly Mantra: I forgive myself for choosing fear. Today I choose to share my gifts with the world. As always, I would love to hear your thoughts – write me on my blog.

About Audrey

I am an author, yogini, and bliss coach helping others attain personal joy and self-love through yoga and meditation, personal empowerment workshops, and retreats in order to help people live more joyful and abundant lives.

6 Responses to Don’t Be Afraid to Shine Bright

A, this is such a sweet read, and it’s crazy how each time I read something you’ve written, the more I identify with you. Thanks for baring it all and sharing this – such a powerful message and something I truly needed to read. At the risk of sounding patronizing, I’m so proud of you – to see, in just the short time I’ve known you, the growth in your business and soul and life (the little glimpses I get through social media! You are truly an inspiration to me! Miss your classes and miss you. xo- e

Thanks love! It’s so scary and difficult to be open and vulnerable, but it’s really the only way to go. Some people will shun you but most will embrace you when you open. Thank you so much for leaving a comment and reading and sharing my word. It means the world to me! XOXO

This is so beautiful!!!
I came across this article as I typed in “afraid to shine.” It is something I have just realized is my biggest flaw. All of the anger, withdrawing from others, and feeling small have all stemmed from simply, being afraid to shine.
“I forgive myself for choosing fear.” That line really got to me!! <3
Thank you for posting this and I will be looking for your other posts.

Thank you so much for being open and authentic. It’s so inspiring and beautiful! Keep shining bright. We all have great gifts to give, so don’t let anyone (especially ourselves) tell us we can’t do something. Be gentle with yourself – it’s a constant ebbing and flowing of choosing courage/love then descending into fear. Just keep listening to your heart and coming back to yourself. You have all of the answers within you!

BRILLIANT:-)) That is exactly me… It was like reading my personality type that needs improvement furthermore; within that aspect, avoiding fear of failure! Totally “avoidance theory” at best…If I can’t do it perfect, then don’t want to do it at all..And has consequently set me back in many instances…And in other instances, “can play it out smaller and be liked vs. Showing my knowledge, working harder, and proving my potential”. I have learned, you cant make everyone happy, and my downfall in the past was “people pleasing”. Realized impossible and to please those who matter most. Though will still be nice, kind, and caring; Cant and especially cant “try” to please someone who will never be pleased. At that point, I tried with kindness and respect, but moved on as per mentioned above-those who matter most, and/ or those will will treat you the same way back!!!! Especially those who will treat you the same way back:-) In the past, was circumstantial/situational with being in a relationship for many years leading me to feel this way